The NRL have announced a new broadcast rights deal worth $1.8 billion across five years beginning in 2018.

All matches will be shown live on Fox Sports, with the Nine Network also broadcasting Thursday night, Friday night and Sunday afternoon football.

Under the deal, controversial Monday night fixture will be scrapped in 2017, with Thursday night football to commence in 2016 and a 6pm Friday night match to kick off the following year.

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With the sale of international and radio rights to come, it is anticipated the total value of the final package will exceed $1.9 billion.

“We have delivered the very best outcome for the game as a whole,” ARL commission chairman, John Grant said.

“In revisiting the number of free to air games in this agreement, we were responding to the value both Nine and News Corp Australia saw in the Saturday game.

“Compared to our current schedule, this result still means more games live and free for our fans and gives grass roots and elite clubs and organisations immense financial benefits.”

Telstra will remain the naming rights partner of the NRL and will telecast the game digitally on its mobile network as well as replays and highlights on its new TV platform in 2016.

From 2017, Fox Sports will run a dedicated rugby league channel.